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28 August 2015

‘Tug’ of war over ship dismantling at SILK yard

Amid brewing public protests, one more tug has been brought to the
ship-breaking yard of the Steel Industrials Kerala Limited (SILK) at Beypore.
The dismantling work will be carried out with the support of 18 workers at the
SILK yard.

Though some of the trade union leaders from the area have communicated
their opposition to the Port authorities and the SILK management over the
dismantling activities at the yard, senior officers confirmed that they would
not withdraw from the move as it was part of the lawful industrial activities
of SILK in its capacity as a Public Sector Undertaking.

As part of the attempts to settle the dispute, the SILK management, on
Thursday, held discussions with the opposing groups to convince them of the
project and the safety measures already taken to address their concerns.
However, sources said the protesters were yet to show any sign of cooperation.

Meantime, M.K. Manoharan, chairman of a State-level people’s council
formed against ship breaking ventures, said the SILK, if transparent in its
deal, should firstly show commitment to obtain No Objection Certificate from
the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest for the project.